Ryan Suter's departure to the Wild might just be the start of Nashville's problems

Blog Post by: Michael Rand

July 19, 2012 - 3:29 PM

If Nashville was upset with how the Ryan Suter situation played out, the Predators faithful -- everyone from the owner to the fans -- might be bracing for the idea that it could get worse. Per TSN (Canadian spellings maintained to respect the country's wishes):

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed defenceman Shea Weber to a 14-year offer sheet worth a total of $110 million. The deal includes $68 million in bonus money in the first six years.

In total, Weber will make $14 million in each of the first four years; $12 million in years five and six; $6 million in each of the next four seasons; $3 million in year 11; and $1 million in each of the remaining years.

"The Philadelphia Flyers have signed restricted free agent defenseman Shea Weber to an offer sheet," read a short statement from the team on Thursday morning. "There will be no further comment at this time."

The Nashville Predators have seven days to match the offer if they wish to retain Weber's services. "We are in receipt of the offer sheet signed between the Philadelphia Flyers and Shea Weber," said Predators GM David Poile confirmed in a team statement on Thursday.

The Predators have said they would match an offer sheet for Weber, who like Suter is an elite defenseman. But Poile acknowledged in that statement that the scope of this offer will require some review and that no decision has been made.

The Preds would likely get four first-round picks as compensation if they don't match, which is a pretty hefty haul. Then again, their blueline would be decimated. All in all, a rough offseason.